Mako Vehicle Returning in Next Mass Effect, Shepard Isn't

The next Mass Effect will see the return of the Mako, an all-terrain vehicle that hasn't been drivable since the first game in the series.

At San Diego Comic-Con, BioWare revealed that the next game will have an increased emphasis on exploration, with the Mako being a core part of that. Players will be able to customise the vehicle to their liking, and driving physics and responsiveness - which were points of criticism for the Mako in the original game - will be improved.

"We're playing around with a bunch of different physics for the Mako. The thing that we have to do is make sure it is as responsive as possible," said producer Mike Gamble during BioWare's panel at the convention. "We've learned a thing or two over the years."

The studio also showed off some of the character creation from the game, confirming that the protagonist will be someone other than Commander Shepard, who led the first three games. However, they noted that a lot of the customisation features could change before release, which is "years away."